OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW

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(1)O. TOWN OF MIDLAND . O FFIC I A L PLAN R EV IE W. MIDLAND your ideal town. JAN 2016. OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW Vision Statement Report.

(2) The Planning Partnership tel: 416.975.1556 www.planpart.ca 1255 Bay Street, Suite 500 Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2A9. ii. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW.

(3) O FFIC I A L PLAN R EV IE W. O. MIDLAND your ideal town. TOWN OF MIDLAND. OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW Vision Statement Report. Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. iii.

(4) iv. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW.

(5) TOC CONTENTS. 1 introduction. 1. 2 community visioning workshop. 4. 3 vision & guiding principles. 14. 4 next steps. 17. AP appendices. Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. v.

(6) vi. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW.

(7) 1.0 INTRODUCTION. Midland Official Plan Review “your ideal town”. Town of Midland. Background Midland is a small town with tremendous assets including its waterfront, green spaces and downtown. The focus for the Town is to achieve a healthy and sustainable community, one where economic development and tourism are key drivers for Midland’s success. Although minimal growth is anticipated, growth will occur in Midland. To the year 2031, Midland is projected to grow by 5,500 people and 1,800 jobs as allocated by Provincial policies and the Simcoe County Official Plan. The Town of Midland’s Official Plan is a document that is approved under the provisions of the Ontario Planning Act. It is a long-term policy document that provides a vision and associated policy framework, aimed to achieve the type of Town Midland wants to be in the future. Midland is required by the Planning Act to review their Official Plan every five or ten years to ensure conformity with Provincial legislation and to address matters identified by the Provincial Policy Statement, Places to Grow and the Simcoe County Official Plan among other Provincial growth and development directives. A lot has changed since the last Official Plan was adopted in 2002,. The Town of Midland’s Official Plan is in need of a comprehensive review to confirm that it still effectively meets the community’s needs and reflects the changes in Provincial and County level planning directives. The Vision and Principles discussed in this Report represent an important foundational element of the Town’s Official Plan Review process. The Vision and Principles are expected to reflect the views and aspirations of the Town’s residents and businesses for the future of Midland, to the year 2031.. Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. 1.

(8) Purpose of Developing a Vision & Principles. 2002 Midland Official Plan. The Vision and Principles serve an important role in an Official Plan. They identify the core qualities and characteristics that define the Town and the key directions for protecting and/or enhancing those qualities over time. The Vision and Principles also act as criteria for evaluating all other elements of the Plan to ensure consistency, coherence and purpose.. In pursuit of quality of life, Midland will proceed to become the active regional centre for Southern Georgian Bay. Reflective of the natural beauty of the region, Midland will remain a balanced community offering its residents and visitors economic opportunity and prosperity while maintaining a high level of protection for the lifestyle and environment.. In preparing a new Official Plan, garnering input from the community at the early stages of Vision and Principles development is beneficial. An open forum format provides the opportunity to listen to priorities, ideas, knowledge, preferences, concerns and aspirations of the community for how and where they want their Town grow.. Vision Statements in Midland The Town of Midland has undertaken a number of studies that will inform the Official Plan process and many of these studies have a vision for a specific element of the Midland community. The work completed to date, the existing vision statements and the community feedback received as part of the overall visioning process have been considered in the development of a new Vision for Midland. The following are vision statements from previous Town studies.. 2009 Severn Sound Sustainability Plan By 2050, the Severn Sound Watershed will contain a network of communities that have achieved a sustainable quality of life for all citizens by developing a common culture of environmental, economic and social balance.. 2015 Downtown Master Plan & Community Improvement Plan Downtown Midland will be a green, beautiful and vibrant place, where area residents will go routinely to shop, dine, work, learn, play or be entertained, and where visitors will stay to enjoy the region’s many cultural and recreational attractions.. 2. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW.

(9) 2014 Cultural Plan In 2020, implementation of the Town of Midland Municipal Cultural Plan will have contributed to the following changes in the community: •. •. •. •. •. •. •. Midland is a major tourism destination based on its rich heritage, the vitality of its arts and culture community and its extraordinary natural assets. activities and amenities Cultural are magnets attracting talent and investment in a vibrant creative economy of more year-round, well-paying jobs. Broad community awareness of the town’s cultural resources contributes to strong community support for cultural groups and activities. Midland’s creative cultural industries are major economic drivers in a diversified local and regional economy. Creating quality of place has infused all decisions, producing a town that boasts a vital downtown, a celebrated waterfront and beautiful places throughout the community. Midland embraces a vision of a living heritage connecting past and present and encompassing the many diverse cultural traditions in the community. The Town of Midland is recognized as a leading municipality integrating culture into all facets of planning and decisionmaking.. Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. 3.

(10) 2.0 COMMUNITY VISIONING WORKSHOP. North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre. Overview One-On-One Interviews On November 16, 2015, the Consultant Team met with members of the Steering Committee and Council for one-on-one interviews throughout the day prior to the Community Visioning Workshop held later that evening. A set of 11 questions were prepared for the one-on-one interviews. The questions for the interviews encompassed both the visioning and issues exercises in the public evening session. The specific questions asked during the one-on-one interviews can be viewed in Appendix A. The insight received from the one-on-one interviews has been combined with the feedback from the evening public session. The information has been grouped under the following overarching questions: • • • •. 4. What is best about Midland? What will Midland look like in 20 years? What are the challenges over the next 20 years? What are the areas for change?. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW.

(11) Public Community Visioning Workshop The first round of public consultation began with the Community Visioning Workshop. The workshop was held at 7pm at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre located at 527 Len Self Boulevard in Midland. Members of the community, including Council and the Steering Committee members, attended and participated in the workshop. The workshop agenda included a PowerPoint presentation, providing the attendees with a general overview of the Consulting team, planning issues and the process of the Official Plan Review. Next steps and details of how to stay connected throughout the Official Plan Review process were also provided. The presentation was followed by the first workshop exercise, a visioning activity. The PowerPoint presentation from the Visioning Workshop is included as Appendix B.. INTERVIEWEES 12 members of Council and the Steering Committee were interviewed during the day: •. John Brosseau. •. Glen Canning. •. Jack Contin. •. Pat File. •. Bill Kernohan. •. Jon Main. •. George McDonald. •. Gord McKay. •. Ron Neumann. •. Cody Oschefski. •. Mike Ross. •. Stewart Strathearn. Visioning Exercise. Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. 5.

(12) Visioning Exercise Results. Establishing Midland’s Vision Statement At the Workshop, input was provided by the public for ‘Creating Midland’s Vision’. This input was in the form of a small-group brainstorming session where participants were asked to consider words or phrases that described their ideal Midland and their favourite places. In groups, they recorded their responses on large chart paper and from that key words/phrases were written on smaller sheets of paper and posted on the wall for everyone to view. As the words/phrases were collected, they were grouped based on key themes to illustrate similarities between the responses.. What is best about Midland? The Town of Midland was identified by many as having that “small town feel”. This was attributed to its geographic location and size and to the close-knit community that lives in Midland. There were a number of words used to describe Midland, these included: accepting, welcoming, inviting, supportive, caring, working together, engaging, inclusive, family, senior friendly and accessible.. 6. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW. The Downtown, residential neighbourhoods and various parts of the waterfront along Georgian Bay and Little Lake were identified as what was liked best about the Town. Green space was also emphasized, including the mature trees, parks, and the trails that link these areas together. Midland is also seen as a cultural hub by the residents with its unique culture, multiculturalism and rich heritage. Facilities such as the Cultural Centre, library and St. Paul’s Church were identified as important sites within Midland. While SainteMarie among the Hurons and Martyr’s Shrine are Regional facilities located outside of Midland on the periphery, they were also recognized as sites of cultural importance. Other elements were focused on specific town services or streets such as the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, the vista looking north down King Street, the intersection at King Street and Elizabeth, and the Midland Golf and Country Club..

(13) Mature trees Good Schools. Midland Public Library. Community neighbourhood. What we heard:. Clean. Historical Small Town Feel. Healthy Environment. Little Lake, our natural gem. Multi-cultural Picturesque. Family Diverse opportunities. Cultural Hub. Sustainable Local Food. Trails. Best kept secret north of the GTA Unique. Waterfront Friendly Town. Georgian Bay. Connected. Local shopping & services. Tourist Attraction Wye marsh. All season, healthy activities. Accessible. Active transport Size of Midland - not too big, not too small Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. 7.

(14) What are the 10 key challenges over the next 20 years? The second workshop exercise presented 10 issue categories with key questions for each topic. The panels from the workshop with consolidated responses can be viewed in Appendix C. The issues and responses collected from the workshop are combined with the responses from the oneon-one interviews and are summarized below following the key questions:. Issue 1 - Growth Management Key Questions 1. Should the Downtown and Waterfront be the focus for new, intensified development?. Issues Discussion. What will Midland look like in 20 years? Midland is not a typical small town, it has a number of assets the residents truly value, these include the unique location of Midland and its environment - both the social and physical aspects. The social aspects the residents value include having a close-knit community lifestyle and the shared historical and cultural heritage. The physical aspects include connectivity of the trails, parks and green space, access to water and key community facilities, including health care. The Town is a four season destination with a large focus on active transportation facilities and activities. The residents live in healthy and complete neighbourhoods, where live-work opportunities are integrated and are supported by a well-connected road and trails network. There is a range of healthcare options, and excellent access to educational, cultural and recreational facilities.. 8. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW. 2. Where should intensification initiatives be focused? And where should it be avoided? 3. Is there enough land in Midland to accommodate economic opportunities - retail commercial uses, business parks and industrial areas? 4. How can Midland better integrate the delivery of community services with adjacent municipalities? 5. What policies are needed to preserve the rural areas from encroaching development?. Responses Midland is a service centre for the surrounding smaller and more rural municipalities. Its population and employment will continue to grow, and that growth will need to be appropriately accommodated. A majority of the respondents indicated that the Downtown and Waterfront should be the focus for new, intensified growth, and that public access should be maintained to these areas. Other areas identified for intensification include older industrial/commercial lands and brownfields. Green space areas should not be considered for the accommodation of growth..

(15) Participants felt that there was sufficient supply of land in Midland to accommodate economic opportunities and that the management of the lands by location and type is crucial to the success of them. A partnership between adjacent municipalities would better integrate the delivery of community services. The majority of respondents felt that a hierarchy of designations are required to preserve rural areas from encroaching development. Implementing architectural guidelines was also another possibility to preserve the character of the rural areas.. Planning Issues • • • •. Downtown and Waterfront Management of land supply Inter-municipal and private/public partnerships Aging demographic. Issue 2 - Economic Development Key Questions 1. What role should the rural area play in economic development? 2. What policies and permitted uses are needed in the new Official Plan to ensure a diverse and strong local economy given the limitations to employment growth?. Sustainable local food production and preserving the rural area were agreed upon by the participants at the workshop for playing an important role for economic development in the Town. It was also suggested that the Official Plan include opportunities for creative industry and home occupations to enhance local live/work opportunities. It was suggested that Midland improve its telecommunications infrastructure to attract new business opportunities. Additional responses included promoting partnerships, building a quality Midland ‘brand’ and improving the waterfront. When the public was asked what they thought the Town’s tourism attributes were, and how they could be enhanced, the number one response was to promote and improve Active Transportation, its related infrastructure, and ability to link all of the Town’s attributes together. The next most common response was the need for a conference centre and its potential to attract tourists.. Planning Issues • • •. Local food production Creative industry and home occupations Rural development. Issue 3 - Waterfront Development. 3. How can Midland better attract new business opportunities?. Key Questions. 4. What are the Town’s key tourism related attributes, and how can they be enhanced? Are there other tourism based strategies, businesses and attractions that should be considered in the new Official Plan?. 1. What policies are needed to implement the recent Downtown Master Plan, and to ensure that this central location continues to support the community for the next 20 years?. Responses Growth will be modest in the employment sector. It is expected that Midland will accommodate 1,800 new jobs by 2031.. 2. What policies are needed to encourage additional development along Midland’s waterfront? 3. What sites along the waterfront should be the focus for new development?. Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. 9.

(16) Responses In order for the waterfront to support community development, a balance needs to be maintained to avoid over developing the waterfront. This means protecting green space and ensuring that the waterfront is integrated and connected to the community and adjacent neighbourhoods. Policies that are needed to encourage additional development along the waterfront include allowing for mixed-uses along the waterfront, stronger policies to promote the waterfront and ways to keep the waterfront for public use. Midland Bay Landing was suggested as the focus for new development.. Planning Issues • •. Compatible uses Waterfront redevelopment. Issue 4 - Downtown Revitalization Key Questions 1. Should the Official Plan continue to state that Downtown is the retail/commercial focus for the Town? 2. Should the Official Plan include a special policy framework for the Downtown, including policies that promote revitalization and/or intensification? 3. How can the Downtown build on Midland’s role as a regional service hub? 4. What opportunities are available for year round tourism in the Downtown? 5. What types and scales of uses/built form are compatible in the Downtown?. Responses Midland’s Downtown is a regional hub with a broad mix of retail, residential, institutional uses and associated tourism and cultural activities. The Downtown is viewed as an important destination. 10. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW. for the residents of Midland. Its strong cultural history is what makes Midland unique and gives it character. This identity is not emulated by big box stores. The residents felt that the Official Plan should include a special policy framework specific to the Downtown, including policies that promote revitalization and/or intensification so that the retail vacancy rate stays low. Further, the opportunity for an enhanced public realm will encourage people to stay longer and socialize. Through redevelopment, the Downtown can increase its role as a regional hub. Opportunities for year round tourism could be achieved by keeping the Downtown vibrant, having later hours of operation, offering more attractions and festivals to attract more tourists and utilizing the existing cultural centre. Mixed-uses were identified as being compatible with the Downtown and would provide accessible services and amenities for the aging demographic. The Downtown is an important part of the Town’s character and was expressed through several responses that it should remain a focus for the Town.. Planning Issues • •. Financial Tools Downtown redevelopment. Issue 5 - Neighbourhood Improvement Key Questions 1. If intensification is to occur within the stable neighbourhoods, where should it be located, and what criteria should be used to evaluate proposals? 2. Are there any specific stable neighbourhoods that should be protected from intensification?.

(17) 3. What types of neighbourhood improvement strategies would be appropriate in Midland?. Responses Intensification within stable neighbourhoods should not change the character of the neighbourhoods. There was a mix of responses from no commercial development to permission for mixed use including corner stores and local farmer’s markets within stable neighbourhoods. The Downtown was identified as the most common location for residential intensification to occur in Midland. The waterfront and some existing neighbourhoods close to the Downtown were also identified as areas for residential intensification. Other responses believed change in residential neighbourhoods would be difficult. Edgehill Park and Little Lake neighbourhoods were identified as areas to be protected from intensification.. Planning Issues • •. Intensification and infill Community improvement. Issue 6 - Housing Opportunities & Affordable Housing Key Questions 1. What is the right mixture of housing types that Midland should accommodate? 2. Are there any housing forms/types that the Town needs immediately?. Issues Discussion. Responses Residents felt that a variety of housing types should be accommodated in Midland. This includes affordable housing for seniors and low income persons, but to have controls in place to not permit cookie-cutter housing or having more housing than growth. All types of affordable housing were felt to be the greatest housing need in Midland along with accessible housing for those with special needs. In order to encourage these types of housing, strategies were identified such as preserving the natural areas, redevelopment of industrial areas, provision of affordable housing in all neighbourhoods to ensure integration of that form of development.. 3. How best can the Town encourage housing to be built that will meet the future requirements of an aging population and a population that will have a growing number of special needs?. To meet the affordable housing target, it was suggested that municipal land banking occur or that affordable housing be integrated within various neighbourhoods.. 4. What land use planning strategies should the Town consider to ensure the County’s affordable housing target is met?. Planning Issues • •. Housing type Affordable housing. Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. 11.

(18) Issue 7 - Natural & Cultural Heritage Conservation. Issue 8 - Sustainable Design & Healthy Communities. Key Questions. Key Questions. 1. How should Midland’s Natural Heritage System be identified and protected in the new Official Plan?. 1. Are policies related to sustainable design and/ or healthy communities necessary in Midland?. 2. How should Midland’s Cultural Heritage Resources be identified and protected in the new Official Plan? 3. Are there particular cultural or natural heritage resources, features or areas that require specific recognition in the new Official Plan?. Responses Midland has a number of significant cultural heritage resources. It also has a number of natural areas, woodlots, and parks. Identifying areas for preservation would best capture Midland’s Natural Heritage System. These natural areas and features should include significant Cultural Heritage Landscapes and natural features such as Little Lake. To protect significant heritage buildings, it was recommended that a Heritage Conservation District be identified in certain areas. Consultation with key groups including aboriginal groups will also help identify significant cultural heritage areas. The residents identify with Little Lake and the surrounding park and natural features along with the waterfront as areas that require special recognition in the Official Plan.. Planning Issues • •. 12. Natural and cultural heritage identification and protection Parkland hierarchy. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW. 2. Should the policies be mandatory, or should they simply be encouraged? 3. Could these design initiatives be better captured through design guidelines and, potentially through architectural control?. Responses A high quality well-designed built environment is valued within the Town. The design of all new public spaces/facilities beginning on January 1, 2016 will be required to meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards. In addition, there are a number of additional important design policies related to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Low Impact Development Standards (LIDS), which are important standards for achieving the healthy community desired by the Town’s residents. A number of responses favoured making design policies mandatory within the Official Plan, while some wanted them to be encouraged. There was support from the residents for design guidelines and potentially architectural controls for new developments and/or areas with historical or cultural importance. An important part of the guidelines would be to ensure they are Midland specific and strive to achieve a healthy community. The responses indicated that if there were design policies,they should be flexible and more on the permissive side.. Planning Issues • •. Community design Environmental sustainability.

(19) Issue 9 - Active Transportation & Complete Streets Key Questions 1. Are policies related to Active Transportation and Complete Streets necessary in Midland? 2. Should the policies be mandatory, or should they simply be encouraged?. Issue 10 - Green Infrastructure Key Questions 1. What policies are needed to start preparing Midland residents and the Town’s infrastructure for the community adaption changes that will be required in future years to deal with major storm events?. 3. Are there any other transportation related issues that need to be addressed in the Official Plan?. 2. What stormwater management methods can the Town use? (e.g. bioswales, permeable pavements, green streets, green parking, green roofs, tree canopy etc.). Responses. Responses. Active Transportation and Complete Streets contribute to a healthier community with more mobility options to travel around the Town including transit, cycling and walking.. Infrastructure, including water, wastewater and stormwater management, is a critical component of an urban community. Sustainable infrastructure and new technologies have improved the way sewage is treated, the way water is purified, and has improved stormwater management methods.. There was tremendous support by the respondents for mandatory policies for safe Active Transportation and a Complete Streets network. Policy for an Active Transportation Plan in Midland would further explore options for the movement of pedestrians and cyclists in specific areas of Town and would identify locations and type of bike lanes that would be feasible. Other transportation related issues to be addressed in the Official Plan include public transit, modal splits (between driving and transit) and bike infrastructure.. Planning Issues • • •. Connected streets and paths Public transit and modal splits Cycling infrastructure. Policies to adopt climate change or emergency plans will allow the Town to successfully manage unexpected severe storm events. There was support for a number of stormwater management methods to be used in the Town including stormwater ponds, bioswales, permeable pavements, green streets, green parking, green roofs and improving the tree canopy. The respondents also wanted to include policies to plant selected native species of trees and plants.. Planning Issues • •. Sustainable infrastructure Climate change preparation. Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. 13.

(20) 3.0 VISION & GUIDING PRINCIPLES. The Vision A Vision Statement was crafted from the phrases/words and key messages provided by the public and stakeholders of what they held as important to them. It was vital that the Vision be realistic, build on the attributes of the Town and convey the aspirations of the community. During the Official Plan Review, this Vision will guide policies developed for the Plan. Midland is a picturesque and dynamic waterfront community that values its heritage character, small town feel and friendliness. The historic downtown and the extensive Georgian Bay shoreline are highly valued. Midland places importance on its recreational amenities and the major cultural and natural heritage assets that draw tourists from around the world. Midland is a truly complete community. Midland is accessible to all ages and abilities and offers a full range of employment, housing, shopping, recreational and cultural opportunities. Midland has spiritual, health care and educational facilities that serve both the local and regional populations. The existing mixture of assets, opportunities and facilities promotes a highly desirable lifestyle. Over the next 20 years, Midland will evolve into a healthy, active and resilient waterfront community that balances its vibrant heritage character with environmental sustainability, fiscal responsibility and innovative economic growth. It will thrive, grow and prosper by promoting its lifestyle assets and attracting new residents and businesses that reflect the evolving local economy, including tourism. Midland will be a great place to live, work, shop, learn and play. result, it will be a great place to invest.. 14. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW. As a. Visioning Exercise.

(21) 15 Guiding Principles Based on the one-on-one interviews, public consultation session, the feedback received during the two workshop activities, and the draft Vision Statement, 15 Guiding Principles have been established under the following four categories:. Heritage & Conservation 1. Promote an environment first approach preserving mature trees, planting new trees within the public realm and connecting the natural heritage features to create a resilient green landscape character. 2. Preserve and promote Midland’s rich cultural and unique heritage.. Sensitive Urban Design 3. Ensure long-term sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce demands on energy, water and waste systems. 4. Achieve design excellence through high quality community design and streetscaping techniques.. Healthy & Complete Communities 5. Encourage protection of the vistas and views to the waterfront and improve pedestrian access and trail connections to the water’s edge. 6. Preserve and promote the Downtown as the commercial and cultural hub of Midland that will create and support its identity as a true Georgian Bay waterfront community. 7. Ensure that affordable housing will be available in various forms and types throughout the community.. Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. 15.

(22) 8. Require that new mixed-use development, intensification and revitalization efforts will be compatible with surrounding properties and neighbours. 9. Promote an Active Transportation system that will establish viable mobility options that are safe, economical and convenient for people of all ages and mobility levels. 10. Establish a strong urban structure with a connected system of roads, trails and sidewalks within neighbourhoods and key destinations.. The Local Economy 11. Attract a reinvigorated workforce that supports the new economy. 12. Attract long-term economic development opportunities including on the waterfront to keep Midland vibrant and robust. 13. Ensure that growth and development efficient and fiscally sustainable.. is. 14. Optimize appropriate opportunities for infill, mixed-use intensification and revitalization. 15. Enable the strategic use of municipal assets to promote the Town’s development objectives.. 16. MIDLAND | OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW.

(23) 4.0 NEXT STEPS. As an important component of the Official Plan, the Vision and Principles will guide how and where the Town of Midland will grow over the next 20 years. The Vision and Principles will provide a base for the preparation of the five Themed Discussion Papers in early 2016, which will address new policies for the Official Plan in the areas of Growth Management & Municipal Comprehensive Review; Living Areas; Infrastructure; Natural Heritage; and General Policy. The themed discussion papers will then feed into the Directions & Recommendations Report where the public will be invited to a Community Planning Forum to review and provide their input in Spring 2016. For more information or to provide your feedback, contact: [email protected]. MIDLAND.CA/OFFICIAL-PLAN-REVIEW. TWITTER.COM/PLANMIDLAND. Draft Vision Statement Report | JANUARY 2016. 17.

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(25) AP. APPENDICES. A one-on-one interview package responses. B. community visioning workshop presentation. C issues panels and responses.

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(27) A. one-on-one interview package responses.

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(29) O. OFFI C I AL PLAN R E VI E W. MIDLAND your ideal town. ONE-ON-ONE OFFICIAL PLAN INTERVIEW PACKAGE NOVEMBER 16, 2015.

(30) OFFICIAL PLAN INTERVIEWS NOVEMBER 16, 2015. Consolidated Responses 1.. What is the single best thing about living in Midland? Can you give me some words or statements that describe the attributes of Midland? - Small-town feel (friendly, community, lifestyle) * - Close to water (Georgian Bay, Little Lake) * - Opportunities for recreation, raising a family * - Cultural & Historical Heritage * - Affordable - Culture - Trees - Trails. 2.. Can you identify a location or locations in the Town that best exemplify the identity and character of the Town? - Waterfront * - King Street (vista looking north, intersection at King & Elizabeth) * - Downtown - Cultural Centre - Library - NSSRC - Midland Golf & Country Club - Residential area - Parklands. 3.. Can you share one or two historic developments and/or planning decisions that you feel were very successful, as well as one or two decisions that were not as successful? Successful - Tiffin * - Bayport *. Page 1 of 6.

(31) OFFICIAL PLAN INTERVIEWS NOVEMBER 16, 2015. - Midland Bay Landing acquisition * - Apartment building on Wye River - Shelter in the Downtown - Simcoe Blvd - Drummond Wall Estate Development - Gryphon and Wallwyn - Hansen Development Not Successful - Big box * - Downtown initiatives * - Aberdeen development - Morden Street - Marinas Park - Edgehill Park. 4.. What land use challenges is Midland facing today? Are those challenges the same longterm, or are there different challenges going into the future? - Economic challenge (Industry) * - Demographic * - Education regarding intensification - Protection of employment lands - Lack of growth (residential, commercial, industrial) - Home based businesses - Development application process. 5.. Are there specific land use issues that you want the Official Plan to directly address? - Servicing Infrastructure * - Active transportation and accessibility * - Affordable housing * - Intensification * - Public art including murals and culture * - Natural environment * - Development charges & approvals process * Page 2 of 6.

(32) OFFICIAL PLAN INTERVIEWS NOVEMBER 16, 2015. - Marina Park building - Industrial land protection - Streetscaping and design - Community improvement - Gateway to the Town - Parkland dedication - Local food production - Mixed-use - Small-business - Economic development. 6.. Are there areas of Town that you think are ready for change? What change? - Older neighbourhoods * - Downtown * - Waterfront * - Edgehill Park - Strip mall area - Midland Point and Sunnyside servicing. 7.. Where do you think residential intensification should occur in Midland? Under what criteria and where? Are there specific neighbourhoods that should be protected from intensification? Location of residential intensification - Waterfront - Downtown * Criteria - Secondary suites * - Design - Integration of residential intensification - Intensification for affordability. Page 3 of 6.

(33) OFFICIAL PLAN INTERVIEWS NOVEMBER 16, 2015. 8.. How do you think we should best capture Midland’s Natural Heritage System in the Official Plan? Are there particular features or areas that we should be looking at? How to best capture Midland’s NHS - Identify areas for protection Particular features or areas to look at - Cultural heritage * - Natural features - Georgian Bay - Severn Sound World Bio Reserve - Stormwater management - Little Lake. 9.. Are there transportation matters that should be addressed in the Plan? - Active transportation * - Connecting sidewalks and trails system * - Connectivity through waterfront and to/from adjacent municipalities - Complete streets - Public transit expansion - Protection of Drummond Wall on Fuller Avenue - Highway 12 (4 lanes) - Extension of 8th Street into Little Lake Park - Bayshore Drive too much like a highway. 10.. Is there a particular property or properties that you think need to be looked at specifically, as in maybe the current Official Plan has it wrong? - Downtown * - Lands along major streets have the greatest opportunity - Highway 93 to Penetanguishine - Old YMCA building - Edgehill Park - Harbour area. Page 4 of 6.

(34) OFFICIAL PLAN INTERVIEWS NOVEMBER 16, 2015. 11.. Are there tools/approaches that you think we should consider for inclusion in the OP? What do you think of design guidelines and architectural control? Should we differentiate between low and high-density residential areas? Should we designate Industrial areas differently from commercial areas? Should the Official Plan continue to identify the Downtown as the focus for the Town? Should there be a special policy framework for the Downtown? Should the new Official Plan take a permissive or restrictive approach? (Should vs. shall, may vs. will). Tools/Approaches -Incentives * (more inclusive with County and Economic Development Corporation, creative funding opportunities) - Long term approach - Culture of change, accepted change - Action - Rejuvenation and rebuilding as a destination - Avoid piecemeal decision making - Consistency - Better distribution of parkland - Work with neighbours, transportation, data - Integrate high level aspect of Downtown Master Plan into OP - Permitted uses for waterfront to include accommodation and conference centre Design Guidelines & Architectural Control - Yes they should be site/area specific * Differentiate between low and high-density residential areas? - No, leave as is, one land use designation for residential * - Flexibility between low and high-density residential areas - Yes, criteria based on road category corridors Designate industrial areas differently from commercial areas? - Yes separate them * - Leave it the same OP to identify the Downtown as the focus for the Town - Yes (hub for service, commerce hospitality, culture) * - Downtown is not a problem but can be aesthetically improved Page 5 of 6.

(35) OFFICIAL PLAN INTERVIEWS NOVEMBER 16, 2015. Special framework for the Downtown - Yes * Permissive or restrictive approach - Permissive approach with positive terminology to allow for flexibility in the plan * - Balanced approach. Other Issues - Better communication (media tools). -------------------------------------* Similar response (more than 1). Page 6 of 6.

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(37) B. community visioning workshop presentation.

(38) 2016‐01‐13. November 16, 2015 Community Visioning Workshop Community Visioning. Workshop November 16, 2015. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Our Team Ron Palmer. Project Manager & Lead Land Use Planner. Donna Hinde Facilitator & Communications Advisor. The Planning Partnership Municipal Planning Services PLAN B Natural Heritage urbanMetrics. Chris Jones Planner. Brad Bricker Natural Heritage Lead, Certified Senior Ecologist. Jeremy Jackson . Certified Arborist & Senior GIS Analyst. Peter Thoma Market Analysis Lead. Caroline Cregan. Market Analyst. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 1.

(39) 2016‐01‐13. Work Plan  Phase 1: Getting Started (completed). • OPR process initiated by Town Planning Staff.  Section 26 of the Planning Act Public Meeting held on Wednesday, April 1st, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.  RFP for OPR closed June 12, 2015  July 27, 2015, Council approves The Planning Partnership proposal for OPR. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Work Plan  Phase 2: Consultation/Visioning (Jul to Nov)  Launch of Project Web Page and Notification of Project Commencement to Aboriginal Communities  Steering Committee Meeting (September 15)  Community Visioning Workshop (November 16) • Draft Vision Statement Report • Final Vision Statement Report.  Community Newsletter #1 & #2  Council Presentation | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 2.

(40) 2016‐01‐13. Work Plan  Phase 3: Background Studies & Discussion Papers (June to January 2016)  Background Review  Five Discussion Papers (draft & final): • Growth Management & Municipal Comprehensive Review Study and Discussion Paper • Living Areas Discussion Paper • Infrastructure Discussion Paper • Natural Heritage Study & Discussion Paper • General Policy Discussion Paper. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Work Plan  Phase 4: Directions & Recommendations (January to March 2016)  Draft Directions & Recommendations Report • Final Directions & Recommendations Report.  Community Planning Forum (February 2016) • Consultation Summary.  Steering Committee Meeting  Community Newsletters #3 & #4  Council Presentation. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 3.

(41) 2016‐01‐13. Work Plan  Phase 5: Draft Official Plan (April to September 2016)  Drafts 1 & 2 Official Plan  Community Newsletter #5  Steering Committee Meetings  Statutory Public Open House. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Work Plan  Phase 6: Final Official Plan (October to December 2016)  Draft 3 & Final Official Plan  Community Newsletter #6  Steering Committee Presentations  Statutory Public Meeting • Consultation Report.  Council Meeting. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 4.

(42) 2016‐01‐13. Community Engagement  Engaging Midland’s Community through: • • • • • •. Project Web Page Email List Community Newsletters Face-to-Face Public Workshops & Meetings Steering Committee Meetings Council Meetings/Presentations. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. First Nations/Aboriginal Consultation  Through the Communication Plan, our team will identify specific methods and timing for engaging local Aboriginal communities  This process will be led by Town Staff, with input from the Consultants. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 5.

(43) 2016‐01‐13. Community Engagement  Public and stakeholder consultation will be critical elements of the OPR  Our team is committed to working collaboratively with: • • • • • • • • • • •. Town Planning and Building Services Department Steering Committee County staff Ministry representatives First Nation communities Residents Businesses Landowners Service providers Community associations Media.  Communication Plan. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Planning Context     . Existing Town Official Plan Planning Act Places to Grow Provincial Policy Statement Simcoe County Official Plan. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 6.

(44) 2016‐01‐13. Planning Context Midland’s Current Official Plan  Last comprehensive review was in 2002  Does not incorporate recently amended Planning Act, PPS or Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Simcoe area or updated County OP policy changes. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Planning Context The new OP will need to reflect the following studies and reports:  Transportation Master Plan - 2012  Employment and Commercial Lands Strategy Update - 2012  Water System Master Plan - 2013  Cultural Plan - 2014  Development Charge Background Study - 2014  Asset Management Plan - 2014  Downtown Master Plan - 2015  Severn Sound Sustainability Plan - 2009  HEA Economic Development Strategic Action Plan - 2013  Huronia Area Tourism Strategy - 2013 | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 7.

(45) 2016‐01‐13. OPR Process Key elements will include:.  An engaging consultation process that exceeds minimum requirements under the Planning Act  The development of a community Vision  Thorough background analysis that is documented through a series of themed Discussion Papers addressing key issues  The identification of Directions and Recommendations that form the foundation of the updated policy framework  The development of a Draft & Final Official Plan for consideration by Town Council and the County of Simcoe. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Existing Land Uses. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 8.

(46) 2016‐01‐13. Existing Green Network. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Existing Road Network. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 9.

(47) 2016‐01‐13. Midland’s Key Attributes     . Beautiful Neighbourhoods Historic Downtown Diverse Employment Areas Dynamic Waterfront Areas Large Parks. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Growth in Midland Current. Projected by 2031. 17,000 people. Population. 22,500 people. 12,000 jobs. Employment. 13,800 jobs. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 10.

(48) 2016‐01‐13. OP Related Initiatives      . Midland Bay Landing OPA Source Water OPA Bill 140 Implementation (Second Units) Home Occupations Review Waypoint-Chigamik OPA Town Operations Centre OPA. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Next Steps Vision Statement Report. Dec 2015. Draft Discussion Papers. Dec 2015 & Jan 2016. Draft Directions & Recommendations Report. Feb 2016. Community Planning Forum. Feb 2016. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 11.

(49) 2016‐01‐13. How to Stay Connected [email protected] TWITTER.COM/PLANMIDLAND MIDLAND.CA/OFFICIAL-PLAN-REVIEW WES CROWN, Director, Planning & Building Services 705-526-4275 ext. 2216 JILL LEWIS, Senior Planner, Planning & Building Services 705-526-4275 ext.2214 | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Tonight’s Workshop  The Town is dedicated to creating a discussion around the future of Midland - “your ideal town”  There are two exercises for tonight’s workshop: • A visioning exercise to help develop a vision that will guide the Official Plan Review and • A discussion of key planning issues. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 12.

(50) 2016‐01‐13. Workshop Exercise #1 Creating Midland’s Vision  Brainstorm with others at your table  Think of words or phrases that describe your ideal Midland  Think of your favourite places – neighbourhoods, parks, streets  Write each word and phrase on individual sheets of paper on the table. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. Workshop Exercise #2 Issues Discussion  10 specific issues to be considered as part of the Official Plan Review, each has Key Questions/ Concerns where your feedback will be important.  The topics are distributed around the room  Go to the topics of most interest to you  Jot down your responses to the questions/concerns. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 13.

(51) 2016‐01‐13. Workshop Exercise #2 Issues Discussion #1 Growth Management #2 Economic Development #3 Waterfront Development #4 Downtown Revitalization #5 Neighbourhood Improvement #6 Housing Opportunities & Affordable Housing #7 Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation #8 Sustainable Design & Healthy Communities #9 Active Transportation & Complete Streets #10 Green Infrastructure | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. | Municipal Planning Services | PLAN B Natural Heritage | urbanMetrics. 14.

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(54) Planning Issue #1. GROWTH MANAGEMENT. OFFICIAL P LA N RE V I E W. MIDLAND your ideal town. Understanding the Planning Issue The Town of Midland is expected to grow to a population of 22,500, with 13,800 jobs by 2031. That growth will be accommodated within an �� Development opportunities as well as through �� projected growth, it is recognized as a service centre for the surrounding smaller and more rural municipalities.. • ��– New development on primarily vacant lands that is located within the Midland �� new Employment Areas, new residential neighbourhoods and new retail commercial areas. • �� area at a higher density than currently exists through: –� �� – the development of vacant and/or underutilized lots �� –� �� – the expansion or conversion of existing buildings.. Key Questions/Concerns �� development? �� , empty spaces and older buildings �� 3.. Is there enough land in Midland to accommodate economic opportunities – retail commercial uses, business parks and industrial areas?. �� 4.. How can Midland better integrate the delivery of community services with adjacent municipalities? ��. 5. What policies are needed to preserve the rural areas from encroaching development? �� .

(55) Planning Issue #2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. OFFICIAL P LA N RE V I E W. MIDLAND your ideal town. Understanding the Planning Issue Based on the amended Growth Plan employment allocations, the Town of Midland is expected to accommodate 1,800 new �� are designated as 'Employment Area'. It is estimated that the Town has enough vacant employment land supply to meet the targets allocated by the Growth Plan and County.. • �� clusters of business and economic activities including, but �� associated retail and ancillary facilities (Growth Plan). • The type of commercial and employment lands that are desired by businesses are changing in response to changes in the economy, lifestyles, and community design. • Tourism and recreation are important drivers for the Midland economy.. Key Questions/Concerns 1.. What role should the rural area play in economic development?.

(56) . �� diverse and strong local economy given the limitations to employment growth?

(57) . 3.. How can Midland better attract new business opportunities?. 4.. What are the Town’s key tourism related attributes, and how can they be enhanced? Are there other tourism based strategies, businesses and attractions that should be ��.

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(62) Planning Issue #3. WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT. OFFICIAL P LA N RE V I E W. MIDLAND your ideal town. Understanding the Planning Issue The waterfront area is located along the shorelines of Georgian Bay, Midland Bay and Little Lake. Direction and guidance for development and improvement to parts of the waterfront areas were provided in the 2013, Unimin Waterfront Lands Master Plan. In 2015, the Downtown Master Plan & Community Improvement Plan provided recommendations for the development of the waterfront park area along Bayshore Drive in the Downtown.. • �� oriented, accessible neighbourhood. • Improved public access to the waterfront, enhancements to the waterfront trail, a larger network of parks and open spaces, and reinforced key views to the water are also issues that need to be addressed. • �� of waterfront 'Employment Areas', 'Residential District' and ��. Key Questions/Concerns 1.. What policies are needed to implement the recent Downtown Master Plan, and to ensure that this central location continues to support the community for the next 20 years?.

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(65) . 2.. What policies are needed to encourage additional development along Midland’s waterfront?.

(66) . . 3.. What sites along the waterfront should be the focus for new development?. .

(67) Planning Issue #4. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION. OFFICIAL P LA N RE V I E W. MIDLAND your ideal town. Understanding the Planning Issue The Downtown is a regional hub with tourism and recreation activities. Midland has invested in the historic downtown in the past few years with the Midland Cultural Centre and the expansion of the Midland Public Library. The recent Downtown Master Plan & �� key initiatives and 9 priority projects for the Downtown to be completed over the next 20 years.. • ��

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(82) (Section 3.2 Downtown District).. Key Questions/Concerns �� focus for the Town?

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(86) 3.. How can the Downtown build on Midland’s role as a regional service hub?.

(87) 4. What opportunities are available for year round tourism in the Downtown?

(88) 5. What types and scales of uses/built form are compatible in the Downtown?

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(90) Planning Issue #5 NEIGHBOURHOOD IMPROVEMENT. OFFICIAL P LA N RE V I E W. MIDLAND your ideal town. Understanding the Planning Issue The neighbourhoods in Midland are comprised �� lined streets. These neighbourhoods are considered stable, and have remained so over many years. It is understood that some new growth will need to be accommodated �� include changes within the existing stable neighbourhoods. The goal will be to ensure that any new development is compatible with the character of the existing community.. • � �� means development that may not necessarily be the same as, or similar to, the existing buildings in the vicinity, but, nonetheless, enhances an established community and coexists with existing development without causing any undue adverse impact on surrounding properties.. Key Questions/Concerns �� located, and what criteria should be used to evaluate proposals?

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(106) . 3.. What types of neighbourhood improvement strategies would be appropriate in Midland?

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(117) Planning Issue #6. HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES & AFFORDABLE HOUSING. OFFICIAL P LA N RE V I E W. MIDLAND your ideal town. Understanding the Planning Issue It is typically a goal of every municipality to ensure that a range and mix of housing types and tenures is available to accommodate the changing needs of its population, and to attract new residents. Some of that housing needs to be considered as affordable housing to allow different income groups access to various types of housing.. • To support the development of affordable housing, the County requires each local municipality to achieve a minimum affordable housing target of 10% of all new development. • ��– Generally, affordable housing is housing for which the cost of rent/mortgage payments does not exceed 30 per cent of gross annual household income for low and moderate income households.. Key Questions/Concerns 1.. What is the right mixture of housing types that Midland should accommodate?.

(118) . 2.. Are there any housing forms/types that the Town needs immediately?.

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(121) 3.. How best can the Town encourage housing to be built that will meet the future requirements of an aging population and a population that will have a growing number of special needs?.

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(126) 4.. What land use planning strategies should the Town consider to ensure the County’s affordable housing target is met?.

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(130) Planning Issue #7 NATURAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE. OFFICIAL P LA N RE V I E W. MIDLAND your ideal town. Understanding the Planning Issue Midland is an historic Town and it includes a number of cultural heritage resources that have national, Provincial and more local �� number of natural areas, woodlots and parks, it also contains part of the Severn Sound watershed, which is under pressure from �� policies that are intended to establish and protect a Natural Heritage System as well as for the key cultural heritage buildings, sites and landscapes.. • �� habitat of endangered species and threatened species, �� and social values as a legacy of the natural landscapes of an area. • �� archaeological sites or landscapes that have historic �� heritage conservation districts or cultural heritage landscapes, �� Act.. Key Questions/Concerns ��

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